Hello i have a 5 year old lutino cockatiel. Putting it short all the sudden he has got these dry scabby patches on te back of his knee joints. I noticed them a week ago they havent got worse they look like there healing. There not red or raw just look dry on one and a bit dry and scrabby on the other. I think whats happening is when his walking up and down his perches there rubbing on them but im confused cause its the same cage he has had since i got him at 2 months off a breeder. I have not moved the perches and before anyone mentions the cage is huge for a cockatiel very generous size the cage cost me 80 pound 5 years ago looked it up they cost 110 now. The perches are also the right size there not to big so he cant grasp and there not to small. So can anyone help me with this problem??? Has it a normal thing which is simple or something alot more serious?? Thanks for any replys or help that is given

Photo would help...

__________________

Hard to tell without a microscope...but if they are suspected the following will help.

Scaly Leg Mites live under the scales on the feet and legs, spending their entire life cycle on the birds. They spread by direct contact with other birds. The Scaly Leg Mites bury under the scales and it is the irritation of the skin that causes the thickening of the scales.

Treatment
Vasaline (Petroleum Jelly) can be used to treat Scaly Leg Mites. If done on a regular basis (usually every few days) this suffocates the mites and they die. It will also soften the skin. It can take up to 10 days to get rid of all of the mites. In addition to this, dipping the legs into surgical spirit weekly will help to kill the mites. Ivermectin drops are sometimes prescribed by vets to kill the mites.

__________________

it looks more like a lump with a scab thinking about it i forgot he had a moment in the middle of the night a couple of days ago where he fell off his perch (i live at home so he is in my room) maybe he hurt himself slightly???? I got him out to put vaseline on him like you sugested he still has perfect grip in his feet he doesnt look poorly is not itching or even touching his feet or this sore. He is walking fine in just puzzled i took a picture but i cant put it on here as im using iphone :s i dont have a computer i thought it would upload but turns out its not going to if anyone is intrested in seeing the picture i might be able to email it to you thanks for any help